Unusual formation of α-Fe2O3 hexagonal nanoplatelets in N-doped sandwiched graphene chamber for high-performance lithium-ions batteries

► α-Fe2O3 hexagonal nanoplatelets were successfully fabricated between N-doped graphene layers. ► The formation mechanism, non-capping ligand mediated reaction within graphene layers, was carefully studied. ► The nanocomposite structures led to improved electrochemical performance.